What to look for in your cholesterol readings?

What to look for in your cholesterol readings?

Why check your cholesterol? Our forefathers never did, but there again their life-expectancy was much lower than ours is today.

High cholesterol can lead to a build up of plaque in the arteries, which in turn can cause a heart attack or a stroke.

Knowing you have high cholesterol means you can take preventative action, so checking your cholesterol is a simple and effective way to improve your health and possibly add years to your life.

Cholesterol readings are taken from a simple blood test. Note that cholesterol readings are spoken of in the plural. There is a total cholesterol figure and a breakdown between the HDL (high density lipoproteins) which are good cholesterol, and the LDL (low density lipoproteins) which are bad for us.

Here's what to look for in your cholesterol readings:

A total level of less than 200 mg/dl or LDL level less than 130 mg/dl is considered normal.

A total level of between 200-239 mg/dl or LDL level between 130-159 mg/dl is considered borderline-high.

A total level above 240 mg/dl or LDL level above 160 mg/dl is considered high.

So now we know what to aim for, how do we reduce our borderline high or high cholesterol figures?

A healthy diet and exercise plan can cut bad cholesterol and high total cholesterol readings. Exercise should occur at least 3 times per week, for 45 minutes or more. This should be vigorous enough to leave you slightly breathless and warm. Include plenty of fruit, fresh vegetables and whole grains in your daily diet along with lean meats such as poultry and fish. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products and avoid bacon and fatty red meats, butter and foods high in saturated or trans fats such as chips and fries.

There are many natural cholesterol formulas on the market today which include all-natural products such as beta-sitosterol, a natural plant oil to help manage cholesterol. When it comes to your cholesterol, taking positive action just makes sound sense. Choosing an all-natural product combined with exercise and a healthy diet can benefit your whole body. Don't wait for a wake-up call; you can start this healthy lifestyle today!